Overview

Where are we with digital public services? Significant progress was made during the last parliament, in particular building digital capacity at the centre of government. GOV.UK is now well established as the place to find government services and information, leading by example with its mantra: simpler, clearer, faster. The Government Digital Service (GDS) continues to drive real transformation across the civil service and beyond, with the work now being done on “government as a platform” aiming to eliminate duplication of common systems which could and should be re-used across the public sector. In local government, the NHS, police forces and other public services, digital efficiencies are taking hold, and the user-centric, agile mind-set bedding in, but there is still a long way to go until this is business as usual for all. April’s Budget confirmed that the GDS would extend its work “beyond central government and arms-length bodies, to consider local services”, but recent changes at the top of the organisation have led to questions being asked about its future, as well as the future of the wider digital agenda in the public sector.

The benefits of digital public services are clear: better, more accessible services which are cheaper to provide. The third in Open Forum Events’ hugely successful series of Digital Public Services conferences will look at the progress made and lessons learned over the last five years, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead. It will consider the spread of digital service culture across central government and out into the wider public sector, featuring examples of best practice from those organisations leading the agenda. Wherever you are in your digital journey, Digital Public Services will offer you the new ideas, new thinking and new contacts you need to take the next step.

Sponsors

Venue

Manchester Conference Centre

Manchester Conference Centre is the ideal solution when searching for conference venues in Manchester. Top-of-the-range conference suites, 3 star value hotel accommodation, delicious dining and friendly service are the ideal components for a successful conference or event in the heart of the city centre.

The 18 conference rooms are decked out with all the mod cons including state-of-the-art AV technology, projectors and screens, free Wi-Fi and flip charts. Our clients cover the whole spectrum and include government organisations, trade unions, large corporate companies, non-profit organisations, health and education sectors and small to medium-sized businesses.

From the get-go we strive for excellence in everything we do and our dedicated team of conference professionals go all out to make sure your conference, event or exhibition runs like clockwork.